NZ's Vector to deploy battery storage solution in NT

Vector, an electricity and gas distribution company based in Auckland, New Zealand, has won a contract to supply the Territory Generation Alice Springs Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project.

The contract will see Vector supply a grid-tied lithium-ion battery storage solution to stabilise and enhance generation on the Alice Springs electricity network. The 5 MW battery system is expected to improve reliability on the network while helping smoothly switch energy use between renewable sources and the grid as needed. Vector will be responsible for the design, engineering, construction and installation of the system and, once commissioned, will also be responsible for ongoing maintenance.

Vector Chief Executive Simon Mackenzie said, “It’s not just the technology Vector’s using that is innovative, it is the way we’re tailoring the solutions to meet quite specific and widely varied customer needs that is the game changer. It’s our mindset that is proving as innovative as the technology we’re using to meet the unique challenges and aspirations of the Alice Springs network.

“When we complete this contract, Vector will have delivered the two largest grid-tied battery storage projects in Australasia. It’s a great endorsement of our expertise.”

The battery system is expected to be installed and commissioned by the end of the year.